The Black Mamba is back! So is Gatsby! Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash return to a retooled Los Angeles Lakers team that is poised to work its way back into the playoffs, behind new coach Byron Scott.

Last season just seemed wrong. Kobe Bryant fractured his knee early on, and Steve Nash (who Bryant nicknamed Gatsby after his affection for three piece suits) was injured soon after. Staples Center ticketholders aren't used the level of futility they witnessed on their home floor each night. This was a team that is built with Bryant as the first (and second) option. When he went down, the team was left to Nash. When Nash went down soon after, the Lakers may as well put up a white flag for the season.

But usual, losing your all-everything player creates an opportunity for others. And several players stepped up. Nick Young went from role player to go-to player in Byrant's absence. Most NBA observers don't see this as a long-term role for Young, who's bounced around a bit in his seven years as a pro. But he didn't shy away from the role, and the team seemed to embrace him as the team's main perimeter threat. Kendall Marshall was signed from the D-league and served as competent point guard fill-in for Nash, averaging nearly nine assists per game. Pau Gasol continued to anchor Los Angeles in the middle, but he also missed 22 games.

But last year is last year. This season Bryant is healthy. So is Nash. Gasol is gone. But the Lakers signed Carlos Boozer in his place. They also added Jeremy Linn in Marshall's spot. Some are calling the Lakers' selection of Julius Randle the steal of the draft.

The hiring of Scott as head coach was wildly applauded among Laker Alumni. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar attended his introductory press conference, and both spoke of a return to form for a franchise that seemed to lose its way after legendary coach Phil Jackson departed.

It's a blend of old and young that may put the Lakers back on the road to a championship for Los Angeles faithful.

2013-14 Los Angeles Lakers ticket preview

Los Angeles Lakers tickets are the hottest thing in town and this season, the Lake Show is back, shooting for a 17th NBA Championship. The Los Angeles Lakers schedule features premium matchups against Pacific Division rivals with matchups against the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors. The Los Angeles Lakers will also host the premier Western Conference teams, like the San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder as well as the best of the best from the Eastern Conference, such as the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers and the two-time defending champion Miami Heat.

Future Hall-of-Famers Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash still headline a star studded lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers, which also includes Pau Gasol and free agent additions Nick Young and Chris Kaman. Under head coach Mike D’Antoni, the Los Angeles Lakers will aim to do some damage with a ninth consecutive playoff appearance.

Los Angeles Lakers tickets are your chance to see one of basketball’s most iconic franchises in action. The classic purple and gold uniforms will fire you up about today’s greats just as quickly as they bring back the memories of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O’Neal. With 16 NBA titles to their credit, the Los Angeles Lakers trail only the Boston Celtics in league history.

The Los Angeles Lakers were founded in 1967 as the Minneapolis Lakers, relocating to Los Angeles in 1960 and missing the playoffs only four times since the move. In addition to 16 titles, the Lakers have reached the finals 15 times, and their 31 appearances in the Finals is second to none.

Buy Los Angeles Lakers tickets online to see this perennial power in the Western Conference battle division rivals and all of the league’s best all season long in a race toward the NBA Playoffs!

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